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This is a kick in the heart. I would pay the pawn on this to get it out...
Courtney Perna FOX 17 News Reporter / Producer
6:44 p.m. EST, December 19, 2011
HOLLAND, Mich—
Pawn shops are big business this time of year, thanks to the holidays and tough economic times. However one particular West Michigan store is generating buzz over a small treasure many consider priceless.
As owner of A-Z Outlet in Holland, Bryan Vandenbosch has purchased a lot of electronics, jewelry, and tools, but after almost 19 years in business, he bought something he never expected -- a Purple Heart, a medal awarded to U.S. soldiers wounded in battle. This one was earned in Afghanistan in May 2010.
“(The soldier had) been in here the week (before Thanksgiving),” says Vandenbosch. “He brought it in the following week, I purchased it from him, and put it on display.”
Vandenbosch says the active duty solider, on leave from Afghanistan, was reluctant to sell the medal at first, but like a lot of people, he needed a little extra cash for the holiday season. So, the soldier gave up one of his two Purple Hearts -- something he almost gave his life to get.
As word began to spread about the medal, Vandenbosch says the phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to help.
“I have people that have walked in already this morning that have asked me `hey, how much did you pay for it? I’ll pay for it so he can get it back,’” he says.
One of those people is Garrett Vanderduim, a Vietnam veteran.
“A purple heart is a treasured thing among service guys, and it stands for a lot,” explains Vanderduim. “I thought it would be a good thing to help out, especially during Christmas time.”
But the medal is not for sale, and the store owner says he'll keep it safe until the soldier decides to come back.
“(In case) the gentleman wants it, it’s never going to be sold,” he says.
Now, nestled between diamond earrings and a gold watch lies the military medal. It’s quite a sight for Carlos Mendez, who was born in Cuba, and doesn’t take his rights as an American for granted.
“When I see something like that it’s just awesome that somebody is willing to go out there and defend our freedom,” Mendez says.
Many items in the pawn shop have a story; from the green leather suit that gave a woman enough money to leave an abusive marriage, to a musical instrument that paid for cancer treatments, but the story behind each Purple Heart is one that affects every American.
“It means the ultimate sacrifice for your country,” Vanderduim says. “(The soldier was) wounded, you can’t get much closer to the end than that.”
Vandenbosch says the solider will remain anonymous, but he is from West Michigan. He also would not disclose how much he paid for the medal.
Vandenbosch said that anyone wishing to help should donate to a local veterans charity like the V.F.W., because the medal is not going anywhere, unless its rightful owner comes back to reclaim it.
Courtney Perna FOX 17 News Reporter / Producer
6:44 p.m. EST, December 19, 2011
HOLLAND, Mich—
Pawn shops are big business this time of year, thanks to the holidays and tough economic times. However one particular West Michigan store is generating buzz over a small treasure many consider priceless.
As owner of A-Z Outlet in Holland, Bryan Vandenbosch has purchased a lot of electronics, jewelry, and tools, but after almost 19 years in business, he bought something he never expected -- a Purple Heart, a medal awarded to U.S. soldiers wounded in battle. This one was earned in Afghanistan in May 2010.
“(The soldier had) been in here the week (before Thanksgiving),” says Vandenbosch. “He brought it in the following week, I purchased it from him, and put it on display.”
Vandenbosch says the active duty solider, on leave from Afghanistan, was reluctant to sell the medal at first, but like a lot of people, he needed a little extra cash for the holiday season. So, the soldier gave up one of his two Purple Hearts -- something he almost gave his life to get.
As word began to spread about the medal, Vandenbosch says the phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to help.
“I have people that have walked in already this morning that have asked me `hey, how much did you pay for it? I’ll pay for it so he can get it back,’” he says.
One of those people is Garrett Vanderduim, a Vietnam veteran.
“A purple heart is a treasured thing among service guys, and it stands for a lot,” explains Vanderduim. “I thought it would be a good thing to help out, especially during Christmas time.”
But the medal is not for sale, and the store owner says he'll keep it safe until the soldier decides to come back.
“(In case) the gentleman wants it, it’s never going to be sold,” he says.
Now, nestled between diamond earrings and a gold watch lies the military medal. It’s quite a sight for Carlos Mendez, who was born in Cuba, and doesn’t take his rights as an American for granted.
“When I see something like that it’s just awesome that somebody is willing to go out there and defend our freedom,” Mendez says.
Many items in the pawn shop have a story; from the green leather suit that gave a woman enough money to leave an abusive marriage, to a musical instrument that paid for cancer treatments, but the story behind each Purple Heart is one that affects every American.
“It means the ultimate sacrifice for your country,” Vanderduim says. “(The soldier was) wounded, you can’t get much closer to the end than that.”
Vandenbosch says the solider will remain anonymous, but he is from West Michigan. He also would not disclose how much he paid for the medal.
Vandenbosch said that anyone wishing to help should donate to a local veterans charity like the V.F.W., because the medal is not going anywhere, unless its rightful owner comes back to reclaim it.
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